AS Monaco – Lille OSC: How Davide Ancelotti Threw Away a Game Plan That Was Working (1–1)

LOSC had put together the perfect plan to counter AS Monaco for 45 minutes, using Hákon Arnar Haraldsson as a false nine. But they can consider themselves fortunate to leave the Stade Louis II with a point, given the ultra-defensive approach they adopted even before Tanguy Nianzou’s sending-off.

Tactical analysis and match report by André Martins.

In the opening months of the season, there are clashes between Ligue 1’s bigger sides every weekend, with each capable of becoming a temporary league leader — before PSG inevitably climb to the top and refuse to give it up. This AS Monaco - Lille OSC was another such clash, bringing together two teams on 14 points. It was also an opportunity to see two promising young coaches go head-to-head: one whose surname carries the weight of five Champions League titles, the other for his acclaimed work in Brazil with Flamengo.

As in the Champions League defeat against Galatasaray, Davide Ancelotti opted for a 4-3-3 with Hákon Arnar Haraldsson as a false nine, flanked by Soriba Diaoune and Ethan Mbappé. Benjamin André, Nabil Bentaleb and Ngal'ayel Mukau formed the midfield, with Romain Perraud, Alexsandro Ribeiro, Tanguy Nianzou and Nathan Ngoy in defence. Berke Özer was, of course, the starting goalkeeper.

Equally comfortable with a 4-4-2 and a 4-2-3-1, Filipe Luís opted for the latter at kick-off. Lukáš Hrádecký in goal, protected by a back four of Nazinho, Jordan Teze, Sadibou Sané and Vanderson. Denis Zakaria and Lamine Camara formed the double pivot behind Ansu Fati . . .